Learn to Make Wire Name Jewelry Free

Wire jewelry or jewelry with wire elements can be beautiful, fun, exciting, and easy. It doesn't take a lot of work, fancy equipment, and you have a lot of options. You can make shapes, figures, and even names to add to your necklaces, pins, key chains, or other handcrafted items.

Free Hand.
While this isn't the easiest option, it is the one that requires the least amount of equipment or set up time.

You can use a fancy script from your computer, or write your own. The letters will need to connect and should look flowing. You will then want to print it out (or draw it out) and use this as a template. It is a good idea to have a few different pliers with different shaped noses for easier manipulation. You will want wire in a color that you like and in a 20 or 18 gauge. You will then want to cut a 12-18 inch wire depending on the size of the piece and the length of the name. You will then want to start at one end and bend a small portion over to leave an nice rounded end there. Next lay the wire on the template and slowly bend it into shape. You will need to back track and should do this slowly to make sure that you are going in the right direction.

You will need to go slowly and check your template often. You can then fold then end over when you are done. If you have rough edges you can use a wire file and gently file the pointy parts to make them smooth.




Your Own Template.
You can draw or print out your template, but instead of working it free hand place the template on a board. Use medium sized nails to trace along the template. Then gently wrap your wire around the nails. You will want to be careful to make sure that when you back track you are still coming up with something clear, and beautiful. You can also file any sharp edges to make for a smooth finish.

Peg Board.
As wire jewelry has become more and more popular, you can now find simple peg boards. This will let you place the pegs simply in the wholes. It is harder to get a really flowing script this way as the pegs will be placed somewhere on the square board. However, this is simple and easy to use again and again.

No matter which way you are going to use, this can be easy and simple. It can be a lot of fun. You can use any color of wire that you wish and you can attach it using wire, glue, or threads. Whatever you desire. If you are using a coated wire then you should be careful not to scrap the colored coating off leaving the wire color beneath. You should make sure all edges are smooth and it won't hurt anyone. You can use these pieces to have a lot of fun. Thinner wires can be used for smaller forms and names, however it won't be as strong and may be easy to bend. Have fun, use your imagination, and add shapes and names to a lot of great jewelry for free or little cost.

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.

How to Make Wire Wrapped Earings

Wire wrapped jewelry offers a great way for a unique look. You can start out practicing on inexpensive materials and move up to precious metals for some absolutely beautiful pieces. One great place for any jewelry maker to start is the wire wrapped earring.

Wire wrapped earrings can be really simple or complex and offer a lot in design choices. Reality says your imagination certainly can go to work here and have a field day designing beautiful and unique pieces.

For wire wrapping you will need beads, gemstones, or other materials to be wrapped, wire cutters (both side cutting and end cutting can be used and offer different advantages), pliers and metal wire or head pins. Often times several types of pliers can be an advantages for manipulating and holding the wire. I prefer working with combination pliers which are round at the tip and flat at the base. These are inexpensive and often available in bead kits or at Craft stores such as Michael's or Hobby Lobby. Other helpful ones are round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, and bent nosed pliers. You will also need a earring finding of your choice. Ear wires are readily available and easy to use.

Simple Designs- Simple designs can offer a nice look, be fun to work with, and also be used with other design elements. You can make them with head pins for fast and easy pieces. A head pin has a flat head (like a pin) or other stopper on one end. You can get them fancy with crystals or designs in place of the head or stick with the simple ones, the choice is yours. To make small earrings you will need 2" head pins, medium 2.5-3", and larger ones should use 3+" head pins. The bead choice is completely yours. Have fun picking out new materials, colors or even mixing beads.

Once you have your pins, beads, ear findings, and tools lay everything out. To start this project add the bead or beads to the pin and make a wrapped wire loop at the top of the bead. If you need directions for this check out this article Beading Technique: How to make a wrapped wire loop. There will be left over wire that you will want to use to wrap around the bead(s) instead of trimming it off. You can make all sorts of designs this way. Repeat the same design on the next earring.

More Complex Designs- To make more complex designs you will need to use wire. In the beginning a brass based wire is cheap and easy to find. As time goes on you can use gold and silver wire to make stunning and rich designs. You will also want beads, glass, gemstones, or marbles to wrap. For this project you will want to cut lengths of wire which should be several inches long (depending on how much wrapping you want to do).


Using your pliers you will want to carefully wrap the wire around the bead, gemstone or other materials. If your item doesn't have a whole you will need to cage it in to make sure it will stay. Your design should have a wrapped wire loop at one end which can be added to ear wires or posts.


Using Wrapped Wires with Other Designs- Wrapped wire beads can be used with other elements for pieces that are more elegant, more complex, and or more interesting. For example you can add wrapped wire beads to chain links and then to your wires. You can also mix wrapped wire beads with other beads, wire, or materials.

As with all jewelry making having fun is the best part. Be willing to experiment. Sometimes you will make beautiful and exciting pieces. Other times you will be unhappy with your experiment and will want to take them apart. Either way, have fun with your experimenting and be willing to try new things. With wire wrapping you may find a whole new world for jewelry making and a whole line of wonderful earrings!

by Danelle Karth

How to Make a Wire Spiral

Wire can make for a wonderful jewelry making supply. There are countless number of things that you can do with wire for interesting designs that can be added to your earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. The spiral is just one such element and in its own right has a lot to offer.

The word spiral can be used for a number of different types of projects. Because of that, I have included instructions for making a few different types of shapes and designs with your wire.

We will start with a basic spiral and work our way through spiraled coils, coils, and even two two sided coils.




Basic Spiral.

A basic spiral can best be achieved with a bit of patience, a pair of round nose pliers, flat nosed pliers, or combination pliers, a pair of wire cutters, and the wire of your choices. It is also a good idea if you dip your pliers in Tool Magic which will coat them in rubber. It doesn't change how they work, but it does protect your wire from nicks from your tool. This is especially useful if using a copper wire that has been coated a with a color of your choice.

Cut your wire. A good size for most spirals will be about 2", but longer wire will make larger spirals. Carefully wrap the first end of the wire around the round nose pliers (or the round nosed section of the combination pliers). This will form a small circle and the start for your spiral. Next carefully turn the circle on its side so that you can grip it with the flat nosed pliers (or the flat portion of the combination pliers). Carefully wrap the wire around the circle moving your griping pliers as needed. Continue around in a circle to form a spiral. You as the designer can decide how big and how tight you want this spiral to be. At the end of it you can bend a portion of the wire at a 90 degree angle. Use this section to form a loop or a wrapped wire loop with for attaching to your jewelry pieces.

Coils.

Coils are usually not classified as spirals, but some do call them that. They are easy to make and can be used for a wide variety of things, including making jump rings. To make a coil find an object that is completely round and smooth. It should be narrow in diameter. This can be the smooth handle of a jewelry file or even a pen for a couple of ideas in different sizes. Cut a length of your coil. Slowly wrap the wire around the object. Press each coil close to the one before it. Make several coils and then slide them off the object. Carefully cut the end for a smooth service. You can now cut each coil into a jump ring or use the whole coil as a bead or focal point.

Spiral Coils.

Simple spirals can also be turned into spiral coils that can be used long wise. To do this you will want a basic spiral. Carefully pull the center of the spiral down so that the spiral works toward a coil. You can then hang the spiral so that it goes from the large portion downward or the opposite direction.

Spirals are great wire decorations that can be used for all sorts of decorations. You can also get creative and add beads to your spirals. Have fun with it and try new things for pieces that are unique and great eye catchers!

Author: Danelle Karth.

How to Open Jump Rings

They can be made from gold, silver, copper or brass wire and, whilst they are traditionally round in shape, they can come in other forms such as ovals, squares, triangles and hexagons. The wire itself may also be embellished through twisting or the metal may be square, so opening jump rings is a procedure that, whilst comparatively simple, must be done with care. Ultimately, putting too much stress on these jewellery findings can result in the jump rings breaking, becoming weak or difficult to close, which will, in turn, weaken the structure of the piece as a whole.

The most important piece of equipment you will need to open jump rings is a pair of pliers. Chain nose or flat nose pliers are most commonly used in this process. Chain nose pliers are defined by the shape of the outer jaw; this jaw is rounded and tapers towards the tip. Some chain nose pliers also have a cutting blade on the inner part of the jaw, used for cutting soft wire, as well as other jewellery findings. Flat nose pliers have, as the name suggests, have two flat-surfaced jaws that are used to hold and manipulate both sheet and wire. Unlike chain nose pliers, they do not taper and are most commonly used for crimping and manipulating. The squared jaw is used to help create angular shapes in the wire. It is important that the surface of the jaws of either of these types of pliers is smooth or you will risk marking the surface of the jump rings.

To open a small number of rings, a small pair of pliers is used to hold the ring and ring and then it can be gently manipulated with the fingertips. However, it is important to note that the ring must not be opened by pulling the opposing ends apart. Instead, the ring is twisted open, to create the appropriate gap. If the jewellery findings are very small, a pair of pliers can be used to hold the ring, whilst another pair is used to twist it open. This process can also be used to open large numbers of jump rings. It is important to only open the jump ring as far as you need to or you will risk fatiguing the metal wire. It is best to use your non-dominant hand to hold the jump ring and your dominant hand to manipulate it.

Closing the jump rings is simply the process in reverse; by sliding or twisting the opposing ends of the ring together, you should be able to hear or feel a click when they are made parallel. If you need to, you can then solder the jump rings shut.

Although opening jump rings is a relatively easy procedure, you must be prepared to make a few initial mistakes. As with most jewellery-making techniques, all that is required is a little patience and a steady hand. Once you have mastered these skills, you will be able to apply them to other pieces, adding a greater depth and complexity to your pieces.

Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and silver wire, [http://www.cooksongold.com/Findings/]silver jewellery findings, tools, precious metal clay and precious metal sheet - gold, silver, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.
For interviews, quotes, images or comments contact:
Adam Hunter
E-commerce Marketing Manager
Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491
E-mail: adam.hunter@cooksongold.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Hunter http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Open-Jump-Rings&id=1520814

Jewelry Making - WigJig Basics

Making Jewelry - Wire Wrapping 101

Do you know what the one basic wire working technique is, that is so useful when making jewelry that it is well worth taking the time to learn and practice? It is known as the wrapped loop. There are photographs to accompany this article. They may be found at SyZyGy Jewelry. A working link to the site can be found at the end of this article. Go to About Us & More. Under that main menu heading you will find Wrapped Loop; click on that.

If you do not know how to solder silver and gold, this is the most secure way to attach one design element to another. It will also let you make a pendant out of any bead, make your own chain and produce wonderful earrings that will not come apart.

To begin, you will need:

1. chain nose pliers

2. round nose pliers

3. cutters

4. 20 or 22 gauge wire or 3" headpins (the wire should be half hard)

5. an assortment of beads

Chain nose pliers (CNP) are like needle nose pliers without the grooves on the inside of the jaws. This allows you to grip the wire without marring it. Round nose pliers (RNP) have two smooth, conical jaws that get larger toward the joint. The cutters should be semi-flush. Box joints are better than joints like you would find on a pair of scissors.

I rarely use headpins. I prefer wire because it is less wasteful, but if you do not like the look of the handmade headpin, then by all means, use commercially made headpins. It is best to practice with 3" headpins because it gives you more to work with. So, let's begin.

If you are using wire instead of headpins, cut a piece that is about 10" long. Any longer and it gets a little difficult to manage. Straighten the wire. To make the headpin, grab the wire at one end with the very tips of the chain nose pliers. Bend the wire back on itself, but not all the way. Pinch the end closed the rest of the way with the CNP. If the hole in your bead is large, make a larger crimp. You do not really want the "head" to be pulled up inside of the bead.



Insert the wire or the headpin into the bead keeping in mind whether or not there is a top and bottom to the bead. You will need to leave a space between the bottom of the loop you are about to make and the top of the bead for the wraps. Depending on how many wraps around the wire you want to make, either grasp the wire by the tips of the round nose pliers or further toward the jaws. This is mostly a matter of experience and much depends on the gauge of wire that you are using. Then make a right angle bend in the wire or headpin.

Next, decide how big you want your finished loop to be. For a very small loop use the tips of the round nose pliers. For a larger loop, use a part of the RNP that is closer to the joint. Grasp the wire with the RNP so that one of the jaws is on top.

Hold the round nose pliers so that the end of the wire is pointing away from you. Using the other hand put your fingers close to the RNP and push the wire toward you over the jaw that is on top. Then pull the wire the rest of the way around until the bottom jaw stops you.



Slightly loosen your grip on the wire with the round nose pliers so that you can rotate the bottom jaw out of the way without losing your place along the length of the jaw. Finish taking the wire all the way around the jaw. You may have to pull the wire slightly to the side to pass the bead.

Remove the loop from the pliers and inspect it for symmetry. Everything should be at right angles to each other. Also, the loop should be centered on the shaft of the wire as is sticks up out of the bead. If the loop is not centered, re-insert the round nose pliers jaw until it stops, grasp the loop with the pliers and roll your hand away from the excess wire until the loop is centered. Straighten the excess back to a right angle.

Next, using your chain nose pliers, grasp the loop with the excess wire pointing up.

Hold the loop firmly, and with the other hand, work the excess wire away from you and around the short wire between the loop and the top of the bead. Work slowly and steadily so that you get the wraps right next to each other. Speed can be your enemy here.

When your last wrap touches the top of the bead, stop. Use your cutters to cut the remainder of the excess wire off as closely as you can. A word about cutters. The side of the semi-flush cutter that is smooth and flat will make a cut with the smallest point. The side (pictured at the beginning of the article) that is angled will produce the largest point on the end of the wire. So it is best to have the flat side of the cutters facing the wire that will remain with the angled side toward the "waste" wire. Use your chain nose pliers to gently squeeze the very end of the wire into its final position. Run your finger over it to be certain that it will not poke or scratch the wearer. [

Voila! You have made your first wrapped loop. You are well on your way to making beautiful jewelry. Last thing to remember is practice, practice, practice. Do not expect to do it perfectly the first time or even the seventh. But do keep at it. As I said in the beginning, this is the single most valuable wire wrapping technique that you can learn. http://www.syzygyjewelry.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dianne_Lehmann http://EzineArticles.com/?Making-Jewelry---Wire-Wrapping-101&id=818635

Making Your Own Jump Rings Using Silver Wire

At this level, you will require few tools: wire cutters or a jeweler's saw, a mandrel (a shaped metal bar used to bend wire in a certain pattern) and, if you're using wire cutters, safety glasses. Wire cutters allow you to determine the diameter of your jump rings more accurately. You will also require wire.

The first step is to wrap your silver wire around the mandrel, taking care that the coil is perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel. Whatever your choice, you want to create even rings and this is best achieved by pulling the wire tight as you wrap it and keeping it under tension. Once you have used your silver wire, you can then slide the resulting coil from the metal bar.



Cutting the rings from the coil can be done in two ways and this is a matter of personal taste. Wire cutters can be used to cut excess wire from one side of the coil and then it is simply a case of cutting rings from the wrap. As a matter of embellishment, the rings can be cut either using slanted or perpendicular cuts. Some wire cutters make a flat cut on one side, which can result in a flat cut on one end of the jump ring and a slanted cut on the other, meaning that the ring itself would never close properly. To prevent this, you will need to snip the end of the coil flush, before making the next cut to create another ring.

If you are using a jeweler's saw, a good idea is to run a length of masking tape along the coil and hold the rings together, before cutting into the coil itself. You may want to cut from the outside of the coil and into the centre or, alternatively, from inside the coil out. The gauge of the silver wire and the density of your jump rings will inform you which the best course of action is.

Jump rings are extremely useful components to jewelery making and relatively simple to make although, if you have never done it before, you must expect to make a few mistakes. Once you have mastered the art, you will be able to turn out jump rings of different shapes and sizes, adding a new dimension to your jewelery-making.

Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and [http://www.cooksongold.com/Wire/]silver wire, jewellery findings, tools, precious metal clay and precious metal sheet - gold, silver, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.

For interviews, quotes, images or comments contact:

Adam Hunter

E-commerce Marketing Manager

Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491

E-mail: adam.hunter@cooksongold.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Hunter http://EzineArticles.com/?Making-Your-Own-Jump-Rings-Using-Silver-Wire&id=1520780

A Beginner's Guide to Wire Wrapping

Findings are the connective components of a piece, such as clasps, earwires, crimps, jumprings, linklocks and boltrings. Findings can be made from virtually any metal and you will find silver findings, gold findings and copper findings commonly used to enhance a piece of wire wrapped jewelery.

Wire wrapping tends to be confined to smaller-scale production; and as a technique is more often associated with hand crafted pieces. The individual craftsmen and artisans use their skills to create interesting and intricate items combining wire with findings, beads or other adornments.

In its basic form, wire wrapping uses looping to link the components of a piece of jewellery. Loops can vary in complexity from a simple 'O' shape, to 'P' loops and 'eye' loops. By their very nature, these are open loops, meaning they can be opened to accommodate another component of the piece. P loops are a wire loop formed in the shape of the letter P, whereas eye loops are more intricate; a tennis-racket shape is achieved with a full circle of wire centred over the stem of the loop.



Closed or wrapped loops are also used to create more permanent links; the end of the wire is wrapped round the stem of the loop, so that it cannot be opened. This method of looping gives wire wrapping its name. In essence, it describes a method of creating jewelery using mechanical, rather than soldered, links. Open loops, such as P loops and eye loops are commonly found in handmade ear-rings, whereas closed loops are used in necklaces and bracelets, so that the links do not open should the jewelery become snagged or caught.

Most craftsmen and artisans will use three basic tools in their work: a flush cutter, a pair of round-nosed pliers and chain-nose pliers. The flush cutter achieves a cut in the wire that leaves one end flush or flat, so that the sharp or pointed end that remains can be discarded. Round-nosed pliers have a conical shape that allow easy manipulation of the wire into loops, whereas chain-nose pliers have flat, smooth jaws for gripping and bending wire. As well as these three basic tools, craftsmen are likely to have loop-closing pliers, an anvil, a chasing hammer, step-jaw pliers, nylon-jaw pliers, a cup bur and a good, old-fashioned ruler. Many artisans also employ a jewelery-making jig, which is an open frame that is used to establish a pattern for use in the shaping of wire or sheets of metal.

There are various types of wire available to the craftsman, in different alloys (Silver, Gold), carats (9ct, 18ct), styles, shapes and diameters. With advent of enameled wires the design can even incorporate a variety of vibrant colours. Each type of wire allows the designer to achieve different effects, offer different levels of malleability and build something unique into their designs.

Whether you are a professional jeweler, a student or hobbyist, the quality and cost effectiveness of your materials will always impact on the finished work. For a wide selection of wire and findings, it's worth searching for a company that specialises in supply direct to the jewelery trade - many companies now sell online, so it's worth searching either for "jewelery supplies" or the specific item you are looking for.

Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of [http://www.cooksongold.com]cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and [http://www.cooksongold.com/category/Wire/]silver wire, jewelery tools, findings, precious metal clay and precious metal sheet - gold, silver, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewelers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.

Contacts

For interviews quotes, images or comments contact:

Adam Hunter

E-commerce Marketing Manager

Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491

E-mail: adam.hunter@cooksongold.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Hunter http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Beginners-Guide-to-Wire-Wrapping&id=1162437

Silver Wire Jewelry

In looking for new ways to create stunning jewelry pieces, many jewelers and artisans have started to turn to new materials in their art. Some choose to use metals that may not have been in common usage before – such as titanium or stainless steel. Others look at metals that have been used for centuries in a new way. Silver has been a mainstay in the jewelry industry for hundreds of years, but today's artisans choose to work with it in a different format, as is seen in silver wire jewelry.

Silver wire is an incredibly useful form of silver. It can be shaped into many different pieces of jewelry, and it can also be used as components of other jewelry pieces. Sterling silver wire is the most expensive type of silver wire – it is composed of 925 (92.5% pure) silver and is solid throughout. This type of wire can be easy to work with or it can be quite stiff – depending on the gauge of the wire used. The heavier the silver wire is, the harder it is to bend. Silver wire jewelry that is hammered, flattened or textured is usually made with pure silver wire, as it retains its properties while worked.

An alternative to sterling silver wire is silver plated wire. This type of jewelry wire is composed of a core (usually copper, but occasionally base metal or brass) that is coated with several layers of sterling silver finish. It looks virtually the same as sterling wire, but this type of silver wire is much less expensive to purchase. Silver plated wire can also be easier to work with – copper is much easier to bend and mold, so having the copper at the wire's core makes it a more easily shaped material. Higher quality silver plated wire will also be coated with an anti-tarnish coating, which also helps to keep it from reacting with your skin.

Most silver wire jewelry is made with a series of wraps or spirals, and can also include glass beads, crystals and even precious gems. The wire can be used as an accent, or as the base of the jewelry piece - it can also be used to hold other materials together. The free form nature of silver wire jewelry means that most pieces are one of a kind, which appeals to many jewelry collectors. The affordability of silver wire jewelry over other types of silver jewelry is also a draw to this craft.

Try your hand at making your own silver wire pieces, or find one of the many craftspeople who make this jewelry to create a custom piece just for you. This sort of jewelry is an excellent way to have a one of a kind piece without having to spend the money to have a high end jeweler create something for you.

Find [http://www.jewelrystoresforyou.com]jewelry stores and information at JewelryStoresforyou.com.

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Jewelry Making Tools

Jewelry makers like any other craftsman needs tools to do their job. If you are new to jewelry making, it is not necessary to start with a large amount of tools. You do need a few to start off with, and then add more as you go. This will also allow you time to research and try a few different types of jewelry before putting a large sum of money in to tools that you really do not need.

A few tools to add to your beginning collection as you start off are, wire cutters, flat or bent- nosed pliers, round nosed pliers, jewelers' files, crimping pliers, beading awl, nylon-nosed pliers, polishing cloth, pencil, ruler, and jewelry glue. You probably could hold off on getting the beading awl. You also might want to add a few dowels of different dimensions to your toolbox also.

Wire cutters are essential to your collection. The best type to purchase, are the flushed-cut wire cutters. This type will allow you to make an even cut. This makes a much nicer finished project.

The flat or bent-nosed pliers are selected solely on your personal preference. Both types of tools do the same function. It do not really matter which piece you choose to use, but the important part is to remember to choose a piece that has a smooth surface to work with. Do not get a type that has ridges or a textured surface. Another name you might hear the flat-nosed pliers referred to as the chain-nosed pliers. They are one in the same.

Round-nosed pliers play an important part in jewelry design. They are used to make hoops, loops, and wraps for attaching beads and making designs in the wire. Solely jewelry makers use this tool. They are sold at most craft stores and jewelry suppliers.

Jeweler's files are use to smooth your wire ends. This will make your finished product look nicer. They typically are sold in sets of 10 to 12.

Crimping pliers are used to hold your wire to the clasps of your jewelry piece. It is very important to use this tool properly. If you use it incorrectly, you more than likely will not tighten the crimp and this will allow slippage of the wire. The ends will come loose and the beads will slide off. Another concern when using this tool is over working the crimp. If you squeeze and pinch it too much, the crimp will become brittle and fall apart. This also will allow the wire to slip.

The proper way to use this tool is to flatten the crimp in ridge that is close to the handle part of the tool. Once you have done this, make a ¼ turn and squeeze the crimp in the ridge closer to the front of the mouth. This should fold the crimp in half making a nice finish. Some jewelers choose to use flat-nosed pliers and just flatten the crimp. Using the crimping tool will make a more professional crimp and will be a nicer finish.

Another jewelry technique uses knots to the beads in to place. The tool used in this process is a beading awl. It has a long pointed piece of metal and a wooden handle. This tool allows you to make secure knots against each bead. Nylon-nosed pliers are used to flatten wire without making marks on the metal. Flat-nosed pliers can be used instead, but cover the metal with a cloth to avoid damage to the wire. This tool is one that can be added later as you build your business.

If you are going to be working with wire to make jewelry, a polishing cloth is a must. It may not be noticeable, however the wire is dirty and often tarnished. The wire needs to be cleaned prior to beginning your design work.

To aid in your design process, it is important to either have a dowel or a pencil to use for coiling and circular designs. These can be purchased in different dimension if you are making your own jump rings. This will allow you to make different sizes.

A measuring tool is necessary too. It is your preference if you use a ruler, yard stick, or a tape measure. My preference is a tape measure. It is easier to keep in smaller spaces.

Jeweler's glue is another product that can be added later. It really depends on the type of jewelry you are making. Many styles do not require glue. Some jewelry makers will add a touch of glue to their beading wire when they string bracelets or necklaces. This helps to make a stronger hold and eliminates breakage. The glue is also used on nylon knots if you are using this type of material.

Starting out is so much fun. There are many varieties of jewelry to make. Be open-minded and try the different types to find your niche. It may take while, but do not be afraid to jump in and learn. It has taken me over two years to determine the material I like to work with the best. The main thing is to relax and have fun!

Amy

The Painted House and More [http://www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/]http://www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

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How to Make Wire Jewelry - Simple Steps

Learning how to make wire jewelry is all about putting a few simple elements together with a stunning end result. Even the most basic project can look elegant with its classic simplicity. With a few simple materials and tools you can make jewelry that most people would spend a lot of money on.

Your materials for making jewelry are the first thing you need to get. Get some different thicknesses of wire. Twenty-gauge wire is great for earrings and is good for most other jewelry. Thinner wire will have a higher gauge such as twenty-four gauge is thinner wire than twenty gauge. Memory wire with stay in the shape of a circle when you bend it, this is great for bracelets; just cut the wire, put the beads on, and fasten the ends. It will still be looped and will go around your wrist.


Collect some findings; these are such things as jump rings, earwires, headpins, and eyepins. In addition, you need various types of chain to use on your jewelry.

You will also need the right tools to make the jewelry. You will need some small pliers with a round nose. You may have to buy these at a craft shop, as the ones typically sold at a hardware store are too large. Some use chain nose pliers to grip a jump ring or the wire. These pliers are flat on the inside but the outside is round. You will need something to cut your wires with such as wire cutters.

You will also need a jig. A jig is merely a board that has pegs sticking out of it. You will use the pegs to shape the wire into the form you want and to prevent it from losing its shape.

You can get started now that you have everything ready. With this method you can make an anklet, necklace or bracelet. You will start with a wire and loop it at the end with your pliers. String your beads onto the wire, then cut the wire leaving just enough room to make another loop. Make your final loop and put your chain on the end using a jump ring or attach it directly to the loop. Put the clasp on using jump rings to hold it to the loops on each end of the piece.

It is easy to make a pair of earrings that dangle. Begin with a headpin and decorate it with any combination of beads you wish. Bend the bottom of the headpin with your pliers and then loop it. Hang a finding or a french wire to the loop. You have made an earring.

After mastering the more basic jewelry designs, you will no doubt be inspired to create more extravagant designs and ultimately have some eye catching pieces that are unique to you.

PJ is an enthusiast when it comes to [http://troll-beads.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-make-jewelry-essential-tools-pt.html]how to make wire jewelry and of the planning and design that goes into it. He has been sharing this hobby by teaching others [http://troll-beads.blogspot.com/]jewellery making. You can find out more by visiting his blog.

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